On April 19, 2024, russia carried out airstrikes using its Tu-22M3 strategic bombers likely against targets in the south of Ukraine. The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine announced that they had shot down one of the bombers, with reports circulating online that appeared to show a single Tu-22M3 aircraft losing control in the air, and subsequently crashing into a field, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
The Ministry of Defense of russia confirmed that a Tu-22M3 aircraft had crashed and that a Search and Rescue Mission was ongoing but did not admit to the downing. However, it is almost certain that reports of a S-200 missile being used are accurate and that this was another successful Ukrainian action against the russian Air Force. This system is likely the same system used to shoot down russian A-50 aircraft on February 23, 2024.
Read more: Potential Difference Between S-200 Versions Used to Take Down A-50 and Tu-22M3, Explained
This is the first instance of a strategic bomber being shot down by Ukrainian air defense systems. It is highly likely that russia has now sustained at least 100 fixed-wing combat aircraft losses to date.
Read more: Tu-22M3 Shot Down by S-200, But SAM System Likely Completely Revamped
